Glaucoma is a very misunderstood disease. Often, people don’t realise the severity or who is affected.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness – If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. Unfortunately, about 10% of people with glaucoma who receive treatment still experience loss of vision.
There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma – Glaucoma is not curable, and vision lost cannot be regained. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to half further loss of vision. Diagnosis is the first step to preserving your vision.
Everyone is at risk from glaucoma – Everyone is at risk from glaucoma from babies, young adults to the elderly, although, older people are at a higher risk from the disease.
There may be no symptoms to warn you – With open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Usually, no pain is associated with increased eye pressure. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision. You may compensate for this unconsciously by turning your head to the side, and may not notice anything until significant vision is lost.
The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get tested. This way you will have peace of mind or can start treatment immediately.
